2 Kings 8:2

Authorized King James Version

And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתָּ֙קָם֙

H6965

arose

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה

H802

And the woman

a woman

וַתַּ֕עַשׂ

H6213

and did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִּדְבַ֖ר

H1697

after the saying

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

of the man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַתֵּ֤לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הִיא֙

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּבֵיתָ֔הּ

H1004

with her household

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#10

וַתָּ֥גָר

H1481

and sojourned

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

#11

בְּאֶֽרֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים

H6430

of the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#13

שֶׁ֥בַע

H7651

seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#14

שָׁנִֽים׃

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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